William Ford C of E Junior School

1. William Ford C of E Junior School Prospectus 2013/2014

2. Contents Aims The School School hours Visits to the School Admissions Policy Appeals School Governors Attendance Attendance 2011/2012 Organisation and Curriculum The ‘Core’ National Curriculum subjects Pupil progress Religious Education Collective Worship Sex Education Policy Pastoral Core Special Educational Needs Discipline School Uniform Physical Education and Games Out of School Activities School Meals Parents and School First Aid Medical Emergencies School’s Council Useful Telephone Numbers Homework Guidelines

3. William Ford C of E Junior School Aims of the School • As a church school we believe that it is very important that we enable the children to gain a clear understanding of the Christian faith. We aim to do this through teaching and example, not through indoctrination. • The aims of the School are:- • To make the School a happy place where children want to learn, take pride in their work and develop a working attitude • To develop each child’s full potential • To foster each child’s talents, be it academic, physical or artistic and widen each child’s horizons by introducing them to many different activities and experiences • To help children acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a fast changing world • To help children develop socially, have a sense of moral values and to have regard for other people’s feelings and situations whatever their colour, race or creed • To help children understand the world in which they live and the reliance on individuals, groups and nations. • To help children become self-confident and self-reliant. To encourage them to be polite, respectful, considerate, loyal and trustworthy. • To help children appreciate human achievements and aspirations

4. THE SCHOOL The school was founded in 1841 when Dagenham was just a village surrounded by agricultural land. William Ford, a farmer and member of Dagenham Parish Church, left a legacy on his death to found a school to provide education according to the principles and practice of the Church of England for the girls and boys of the Parish. Later his niece, Sarah Stone also gave a small endowment towards the Trust Fund. The school started in a small way, later land was purchased in Church Elm Lane and a school designed by the architect John Davis Paine, [who also designed the first Waterloo Station] was built. The present building replaces the old Ford Endowed School and is now known as the William Ford C of E Junior School. It was dedicated by the Bishop of Chelmsford on the 18th April, 1975. The building has been much improved by the recent completion of a Sports and Arts Centre shared with Village Infants. William Ford C of E Junior School is a Voluntary Aided School, which means that the building, repairs, maintenance and improvements are still the responsibility of the School Governors, maintained from the now much reduced Trust Fund, grant aided by the Department for Education. The internal decoration, furnishings, teaching resources and payment of salaries is maintained by the Local Authority. As a Church of England school it enjoys the guidance, support and encouragement of the Diocesan Council for Education. William Ford is a Church of England Junior School and is proud if its links with local churches and Village Infants. William Ford shares the same site as Village Infants and caters for girls and boys in the 7-11 age range. Please refer to the admissions policy and criteria for admission. SCHOOL HOURS Morning Session - 9.00 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. Afternoon Session - 1.15 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. Children should not be on the school premises until 8.50 a.m. unless under the supervision of a teacher. The Director of Education, Arts & Libraries will not accept responsibility for children who are on the premises at unlawful times. The actual time spent teaching during the course of a week is 23.5 hours.

5. VISIT TO SCHOOL • Parents who are interested in their child attending our school are welcome to make arrangements to visit the school at any time. • There will be a New Intake Evening for parents of Year 3 children who are due to start with us in September 2013 on Thursday, 27th June 2012 at 7.00 p.m. Parents will be informed of their children’s classes on that evening and will have the opportunity to meet the class teachers. All parents/carers are expected to attend this meeting. • ADMISSIONS POLICY • We take 90 pupils, in three classes of 30 children per year group. It is the governors’ policy to admit the children of all parents who choose to have their children educated at the school. If we receive more applications than there are places available, the governors will use the following criteria in order. If you are applying under category 2 or 5, you should fill in the priest reference form. If you are applying under any of the other categories, you do not need to fill in this form. • Criteria for admission • Children in the care of a local authority (please see note 1). • Regular attendance, by one or both parents, together with the child, at the church of St Peter and St Paul Dagenham (‘Dagenham Parish Church’). (Please see note 2 below for the definition of ‘regular attendance’.) • A brother or sister attending William Ford Church of England Junior School at the time of enrolment. (Please see note 3 for the definition of ‘brother or sister’.) • Children attending Village Infants School at the time of the application. • Regular attendance, by one or both parents, together with the child at a place of Christian Worship, other than Dagenham Parish Church, of a denomination which is a member of Churches Together in England. (Please see note 2 below for the definition of ‘regular attendance’.) • Any other children who do not fall within the categories listed above.

6. Important notes • In the case of children who are in the care of a local authority, you will need to provide a letter signed by a fully qualified social worker employed by that local authority. • ‘Regular attendance’ means attending at least once every two weeks at either Sunday Service or other midweek activities (not including those of a purely social nature) for at least two years. The parish priest or another minister needs to confirm this, in writing. • ‘Brother or sister’ includes stepbrothers or stepsisters, half-brothers or half-sisters and adopted brothers or sisters living at the same address or children who have been living in the same household in a long-term foster relationship for more than one year. • Children with full statements of special education needs will be handled according to the current arrangements for such children. • The governors will consider applications equally in line with the school’s criteria. They will not take account of the preference you have given the school on your application form. • The governors have the right to withdraw places they offer based on information which they later find to be false, inaccurate or misleading. In any event, the governors will not consider applications made later for other children, under the priority provided by category 3 above. • For a list of churches who are members of Churches Together in England, visit www.churches-together.net. • All distances are measured by the admissions team using SIA’s geographical information system, SMART. Measurements are calculated, on a straight line basis, from the midpoint of the child’s permanent address to the main entrance of the school. • Within any criterion, we will use distance from home to school as a tie-breaker for pupils who have equal claim for a place. • Those children living nearest to the school will be given priority in the allocation of places. When measurements involve flats within the same block, the midpoint measurement will be the same, the governors will then use random allocation to offer places to children within this tie-breaker category. • 10 The governors are unable to consider circumstances not listed in the • above criteria. It is essential that we are consistent in our judgment and apply the criteria in a fair and impartial manner.

7. 11 If your child fails to gain a place, we will add them to our waiting list. This will be will be ranked in the same order as our published oversubscription criteria, whatever date you made your application. We will remove your child’s name from the waiting list after one year from the date you made your application, although you can reapply if you want to. Closing date for applications is 15th January 2012. APPEALS If your child fails to gain a place, you can appeal to the governors by writing to the chairman at the school, within 14 days of receiving your results letter. The head teacher at the school will give you information about appealing if you want to take this action. SCHOOL GOVERNORS The school Governing Body plays a major role in working with the Headteacher and staff in the overall planning and development of the school. The Governors are made up of the following:- Members of the Governing Body Dr. D. Ramsey Headteacher Graham Mundy Chair Rev. Mike Reith Vice Chair Mrs. W. Garton Mrs. D. Reith Mr. Oluyede Parent Rep Mrs. R. Rogers Mrs. R. Harrison Parent Rep Mr. Ray Descombes LA Rep Rev. A. Kimani Mth Parent Rep Mrs. F. Taiwo Parent Rep Miss N. Yates Mrs. A. Atunwa Ms. J. Webb Associate Governor If any parents wish to clarify any aspect of the school organisation they are free to contact the Chair of Governors, c/o the school. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is essential if a pupil is to make all possible progress. Your co-operation is requested in the matter of notifying reasons of absence by letter. No child will be

8. allowed to leave the school during a session time unless in the care of his parent or their representative. In no event will a telephoned message count as authorisation in this respect. We see punctuality and regular attendance as very important and we ask for your complete co-operation in this matter. School starts at 9.00 a.m. If a child’s attendance gives us cause for concern we will arrange a meeting with parents in an attempt to discover the reasons and work together to solve any problems. Our Attendance Officer will phone on the first day of absence of any child unless the school is notified before 10.00 a.m. of the reason for that absence. ATTENDANCES 2011/2012 Total number of pupils on roll = 356 Attendance = 95.8 % Percentage of authorised absences = 2.8 % Percentage of unauthorised absences = 1.4 % These figures indicate the number of pupils on roll and the percentage of authorised and unauthorised absences for the period. An authorised absence is one where a written explanation for the absence is given by the parent to the school. An unauthorised absence is one where no written explanation is given for the child being away. ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUM The main aim of the school is to provide the best possible education for each child within a caring Christian community, and to help every child to realise their full potential. The maximum class size is 30 pupils. We seek to offer a wide and well balanced curriculum with special emphasis on English, Maths, Science ICT and French. We continue to see achievement in reading and numeracy as of prime concern for the children and we encourage a partnership between parent and school in this. In delivering a broad curriculum the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and ICT are reviewed on a yearly basis and given a high percentage of time. History, Geography, Technology, Music, P.E. French and Art are taught as subjects but through using appropriate study units, based on the National Curriculum documents. We have music and dance specialists who work with the whole school.

9. The children are organised into class groups dependent on age and are in mixed ability groups for most subjects. For maths they are in groups based on individual needs. • We have study support teachers throughout the school who work with small groups of children identified as having specific needs. Parents’ support will be sought for these groups. • Educational visits form an important part of school studies and greatly enrich the children’s experience. We seek parental support in continuing these visits. We do ask for a contribution towards the costs of these visits. All coaches are equipped with seat belts. • We continue to update our resources and seek to improve the environment both within and around the school. • Copies of:- • The Local Authority policies for the curriculum of schools. • The school’s curriculum documents • The school’s development plan • Published Ofsted Report • The school’s policy for Special Educational Needs • are all available in school for inspection. • If any parent has any questions regarding the National Curriculum and their child’s access to it please contact the Headteacher. • THE ‘CORE’ NATIONAL CURRICULUM SUBJECTS • The National Curriculum is followed throughout Key Stage 2 with a greater emphasis on individual subject curriculum areas than in Key Stage 1. English, Mathematics, Science and ICT comprise the core subjects of the National Curriculum. The legal requirement is that a greater percentage of the child’s curriculum time will be spent on these subjects than on the foundation subjects. • ENGLISH • We follow the National Literacy framework for English; incorporating a variety of literacy resources including Literacy World and the Borough Literacy Project. The school’s Literacy Policy is available from the school office. • Speaking and listening– this entails accessing the many facets of the spoken word and listening attentively in order to comprehend a broad range of instructions. • Reading– a wide range of strategies are used to encourage children to read with meaning, enjoyment and understanding at the earliest possible opportunity. The scheme material used ensures breadth and encourages interest.

10. Writing – the children are given the opportunity to write for different purposes and audiences. • Spelling and handwriting – weekly spellings are given and tested. Good quality of handwriting is seen as very important. • “…. to encourage children to read with meaning, enjoyment and understanding at the earliest possible opportunity.” • MATHEMATICS • The core scheme for Maths is Abacus Evolve. This is an inter-active scheme which is supported by a wide range of extension materials and meets the needs of all learners. The school’s Numeracy and Calculation Policy is available from the school office. • “… the opportunity to learn and apply mathematical skills…” • SCIENCE • Through practical experiences the children will have access to the following units within the Science scheme of work: • experimental and investigative; • life processes and living things; • materials and properties; and • physical processes. • “Through practical experiences…” • ICT • ICT is taught on a weekly basis and follows the Borough guidelines. A range of ICT skills are taught and children are given the opportunity to use a wide range of software and equipment. The children are also encouraged to use ICT across the whole curriculum. • We currently have 30 netbooks per year group, allowing children to have independent access in lessons. • We also have a multimedia suite which is equipped with state of the art iMacs. • Each class room is equipped with an interactive computer system. • PUPIL PROGRESS • During each term there will be an opportunity for personal interviews to take place, by appointment, between parents and the class teacher. The interviews will allow time to discuss your child’s social and academic progress. I hope that you will take this opportunity. A written school report is provided each academic year.

11. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The school is a church school with close links to the Parish Church, visiting it for special services twice a year and receiving encouragement and support from clergy and church members. Religious Education is delivered through a scheme of work based on the Diocesan Syllabus for Aided Schools and the LA Syllabus. Parents who opt for their children to attend the school are expected to participate fully in the Religious Education of the school. We seek through Religious Education to encourage each child to develop an understanding and acceptance of all individuals. COLLECTIVE WORSHIP An act of collective worship is celebrated every day. This is led by the Headteacher and other members of staff. The vicar or a member of the church staff team lead assembly once a week. An act of collective worship takes place at an appropriate time each day. SEX EDUCATION POLICY At the present time children in Year 6 receive sex education through a carefully prepared scheme produced within the school and delivered by teachers within the school. A meeting will be organised prior to the teaching taking place, in order to inform parents and seek their support. PASTORAL CARE Each class teacher is of course, primarily responsible for the pastoral care of their pupils. However, it must be appreciated that it is not always possible for them to be immediately available to discuss matters or problems with parents, particularly when they are teaching. An appointment may be sought by phone or letter. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS We have a clear responsibility to provide every child the opportunity to have access to the National Curriculum. There is a Special Educational Needs Policy in the school which is available for inspection. Following the publication of a new code of practice the policy is being adapted to fulfil any new requirements. Our Special Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs. Jeanette Miller.

12.  Early identification of children’s special needs is a priority. We seek to clearly identify the specific needs of a child so that a specific programme of support can be given to that child. Where support is in addition to the normal good teaching and involves extra resources from the school it is recorded on an Individual Education Plan [I.E.P.] If a child is not making sufficient progress within the school and with its resources then external advice will be sought and further strategies employed to help the pupil progress. In certain instances where a child is unable to make adequate progress then the school or parent may ask the LA to undertake a statutory assessment, to define the child’s needs and the educational provision that would be appropriate for them. This will involve assessments of the child by a number of external agencies. At all stages where there is concern for the child’s progress the parents are kept informed and their support is essential. Throughout the four years at school children may work in small groups with a study support teacher or with a Special Support Assistant. Additional provision is provided in response to need. This year we have set up a range of small group support for pupils. In Year 3 to develop early number knowledge, phonic skills, sentence writing, and spelling using nationally recognised programmes. In Year 4 there are reading, handwriting and speech and language groups. Year 5 use additional support to teach some core subjects in smaller groups. In Year 6 we are providing a special programme for some children with specific learning difficulties. Throughout the school individual programmes and support to get the most out of whole class lessons is organised for children identified with SEN. DISCIPLINE A Discipline Policy has been written and agreed by the staff. Good behaviour and good manners are encouraged together with respect for each other and authority. Children are expected to uphold the good name and tradition of the school, inside and out. School rules are few and related to good order, safety, appearance and concern for others. The school aims to encourage self-discipline, therefore misbehaviour is dealt with in a kindly

13. but firm way with counselling and guidance being given as appropriate. Punishment usually takes the form of withdrawal of privileges and/or playtime detention. Should a serious breach of discipline occur parents are informed and their early involvement and co-operation obtained. SCHOOL UNIFORM Every child is required to wear our school uniform. General items of clothing are easily available from the main chain stores, sweatshirts, polo shirts, fleece jackets, waterproof coats and hats are available from the school office. Children should wear no jewellery other than watches and stud earrings. Nail varnish and make-up are not permitted. The school does not permit children to have haircuts that could serve as a distraction to other children such as patterns shaved into the hair, dyed hair and “Mohican “style haircuts. We also do not allow children to wear excessive hair gel as this has health and safety implications. Final judgment on what is classed as an extreme hairstyle rests with the headteacher. BOYS WinterSummer Grey or black trousers Grey or black trousers White shirt or polo shirt White shirt or polo shirt Red sweatshirt/jumper Red sweatshirt Grey or black socks Black shoes Black shoes  GIRLS WinterSummer Grey or black skirt or trousers Grey or black skirt or trousers White blouse or polo shirt Red and white cotton dress Red sweatshirt/cardigan Red sweatshirt/cardigan Grey or black tights Black shoes [no sandals or open toes] Black shoes [flat heels] Boots can be worn in bad weather but children should change into their shoes in school Outdoor wear Red fleece jackets, waterproof coats and school hats are available for outdoor wear. Other coats and jackets [preferably waterproof] are acceptable. Owing to similarities in clothing, parents should mark all clothing with their child’s name.

14. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND GAMES We seek to encourage each child to develop a healthy life-style. Physical Education is seen as a vital part of our curriculum. Children are given teaching in outdoor games, athletics, dance, gymnastics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. Parents are asked to provide a drawstring bag for the safe storage of P.E. clothing marked with the child’s name. P.E. clothing required as follows:- BOYS/GIRLS IndoorOutdoor T-shirt in house colour T-shirt in house colour Black shorts Black Shorts Black plimsolls or trainers Sweatshirt or blue hooded sweatshirt with   school badge Black jogging bottoms  No jewellery should be worn for P.E. lessons OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES The school hopes to be able to continue to offer opportunities for children to be involved in a variety of clubs and activities. Parents will be informed in writing as and when these become available. Extra curricular activities may include: football netball dance rounders tennis cricket athletics choir cross country hockey science club SCHOOL MEALS William Ford operates an in-house catering service. School meals can be paid for on a Monday or Wednesday morning 8.30 – 9.15 a.m. in the school office. School meals are £2.00 per day and must be paid for in advance. Children may, if required, bring a packed lunch. This should be suitably packed in a plastic container. Drinks , as part of the packed lunch, may be brought to school but must be in a safe plastic container. No glass containers or glass filled thermos flasks are permitted for reasons of safety.

15. Pupils having school lunch or a packed sandwich lunch are not allowed off the premises during the mid-day break except at the written request of parents. Every care should be taken to ensure that pupils are adequately supervised at lunch-time and your co-operation is valued in this respect. • Your child may be entitled to free meals at school. If you think this is the case you are advised to enquire at the school office, where the appropriate application forms are available. • PARENTS AND SCHOOL • Just as you have high expectations of William Ford C of E Junior School and its’ staff, we too have high expectations of you, the parent. In choosing to send your child to William Ford C of E Junior School we expect to work in a partnership in providing an all round education for your child. • We would ask you:- • to support the school’s aims and objectives; • encourage self-discipline in your child by re-enforcing the school’s code of conduct; • ensure your child attends school regularly; • keep us informed of anything that happens at home which might cause changes in the behaviour or attitude of your child; • support extra curricular activities such as school productions, curriculum workshops for parents and open days. • We have a home-school agreement which each child and parent is required to sign. • FIRST AID • The school is fortunate to have five members of staff with an extensive first aid training certificate. All teaching staff, support staff and mid-day assistants have the basic first aid in the workplace training. • MEDICAL • William Ford will seek to support as far as is practical, any child that has a medical or health condition to ensure his or her health and safety, welfare and inclusion in school life. • Parents can request a medical examination to be carried out if there is a particular need. • Occasionally, at the Headteacher’s discretion, tablets or medicines can be brought to school. These are stored in a secure cupboard in the school office. Pupils will need to

16. administer the medicine themselves. Children who are sent home from school suffering from vomiting are requested to stay away from school for 24 hours. EMERGENCIES It is possible for occasions to arise, as in the event of a pupil’s illness or accident, when contact with the parent becomes an urgent necessity. Generally such contact can be made at home but where both parents are at work, some difficulty may arise. It is vital that we have an emergency contact name and/or telephone number. Change of address and places of work, telephone number, doctor etc. should be notified as they occur. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THESE RECORDS ARE KEPT UP TO DATE. SCHOOL’S COUNCIL We have a well established School’s Council. Every child has had the opportunity to appoint two representatives from each class to give their views on all areas of school life. Recent improvements to our school environment, as a result of the School’s Council requests include improvements to the playground, the use of an area of the park and the promotion of more healthy snacks. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Barking Town Hall – 020 8592 4500 School Nurse – Church Elm Health Centre - 020 8276 7940

17. William Ford C of E Junior School • Homework Guidelines • Homework is a key part of a good education and supports the learning taking place within the school day. It is part of a wider partnership between parents and school and can both compliment and extend classroom learning. All children have a homework diary in which to record their work and this provides a valuable means of communication between home and school. • PURPOSES • To consolidate and reinforce concepts or skills learnt in school especially in literacy and numeracy • To provide a link between home and school and to inform parents of the work covered • To practise key skills in a supportive environment • To encourage personal research • To develop progression towards independence and individual responsibility • To develop self-discipline needed for studying alone and prepare pupils for the future [secondary school] • GENERAL OVERVIEW • All children should either read aloud daily for between 10-20 minutes or, if they are fluent readers, read on their own • Children should learn spellings in preparation for weekly tests • Correct punctuation could also be practised together with the correct formation of letters in handwriting • Multiplication tables should be practised regularly • Pupils will be asked to research specific topics for science, history and geography periodically • Extra work may be given to support an individual child’s learning at any time • Optional research, tasks and challenges are set in assemblies and as year group projects